Uzbekistan is exploring the possibility of purchasing ships from shipbuilding plants in Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, according to the country’s Minister of Transport Ilkhom Makhkamov, Report informs.
Makhkamov made the statement in an interview with the Uzbekistan-24 TV channel during the Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan trilateral summit.
“Just like in Azerbaijan, there is a shipyard in Turkmenistan. Today, we agreed to analyze the possibility of purchasing vessels from these facilities. All technical aspects must be worked out,” he said.
The minister noted that Uzbekistan plans to begin operating its own ferries in the Caspian Sea, a decision prompted by a sharp increase in freight volumes and existing delays that can last 30 to 40 days.
Makhkamov also announced the signing of a trilateral agreement between Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan to establish joint ventures in transport, logistics, and specialized industrial sectors.
“The signed document launches the creation of joint companies in transport-logistics and specialized industries. It provides for the unimpeded movement of goods, creates conditions for freight forwarding services, and offers certain advantages for cargo transportation to and from Uzbekistan — as well as for transit through the Republic of Uzbekistan,” he stated.
According to the minister, such coordination will reduce transportation costs and ease the logistical burden on producers and shippers.
